In 1979, with pet rocks and mood rings all the rage, Schlitterbahn opened with 20 lifeguards and four water slides.

In 1979, with pet rocks and mood rings all the rage, Schlitterbahn opened with 20 lifeguards and four water slides.

In 1979, with pet rocks and mood rings all the rage, Schlitterbahn... Photo-5979418.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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The name Schlitterbahn is a combination of the German words "schlitter," meaning "slippery," AND "bahn," meaning "road," and was intended as a nod to the German heritage of its host city New Braunfels.

The name Schlitterbahn is a combination of the German words "schlitter," meaning "slippery," AND "bahn," meaning "road," and was intended as a nod to the German heritage of its host city New Braunfels.

Photo: Harrison

The name Schlitterbahn is a combination of the German words... Photo-5979419.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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For the first time in 1995, the park became the most popular seasonal waterpark in the nation, with attendance surpassing all other summer waterparks for the first time. (Schlitterbahn is still the country’s top-attended seasonal waterpark!) less

For the first time in 1995, the park became the most popular seasonal waterpark in the nation, with attendance surpassing all other summer waterparks for the first time. (Schlitterbahn is still the country’s ... more

For the first time in 1995, the park became the most popular... Photo-5979420.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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One half of the park uses classic black tubes that come in a variety of sizes. However chlorine does not play well with the classic black tubes, on that side of the park the tubes are made of a different material and are clear. less

One half of the park uses classic black tubes that come in a variety of sizes. However chlorine does not play well with the classic black tubes, on that side of the park the tubes are made of a different ... more

You'd think moving 36,000 gallons of water per minute would take the most modern of technology. However, Schlitterbahn uses one of the oldest architectural tools, an Archimedes screw (see the blue screw to the left in the photo above) to get the job done. The device was invented in the Third Century B.C. and uses the screws twisting action to move the water uphill like a conveyor belt. less

You'd think moving 36,000 gallons of water per minute would take the most modern of technology. However, Schlitterbahn uses one of the oldest architectural tools, an Archimedes screw (see the blue screw to the ... more

The New Braunfels park originally featured only four waterslides. Photo-5979430.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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Schlitterbahn took the Loblolly pines from the Bastrop wildfire and repurposed them into furniture, paneling, and cabanas at every single Schlitterbahn. This reclaimed wood saved the community considerable expense and allowed this Texas forest to be have a second life everywhere from South Padre to Kansas City. The pines had been destined to be turned into mulch. less

Schlitterbahn took the Loblolly pines from the Bastrop wildfire and repurposed them into furniture, paneling, and cabanas at every single Schlitterbahn. This reclaimed wood saved the community considerable ... more

Schlitterbahn opens its newest waterpark and resort in Corpus Christi in Summer 2014. The new site will include a Torrent Tidal Wave River, a river system that allows guests to float along a wave-filled river; swim-up bars; beaches; and of course, a Boogie Bahn, the world’s best inland surfing ride; as well as on-site lodging. less

Schlitterbahn opens its newest waterpark and resort in Corpus Christi in Summer 2014. The new site will include a Torrent Tidal Wave River, a river system that allows guests to float along a wave-filled river; ... more

One half of the park uses classic black tubes that come in a variety of sizes. However chlorine does not play well with the classic black tubes, on that side of the park the tubes are made of a different material and are clear. less

One half of the park uses classic black tubes that come in a variety of sizes. However chlorine does not play well with the classic black tubes, on that side of the park the tubes are made of a different ... more

Schlitterbahn has a three-story Christmas Shoppe that's open year-round. The New Braunfels location also celebrates the yuletide season with the Hill Country Christmas featuring one million lights, ice skating, more than 50 light sculptures, three shows and a train display. less

Schlitterbahn has a three-story Christmas Shoppe that's open year-round. The New Braunfels location also celebrates the yuletide season with the Hill Country Christmas featuring one million lights, ice skating, ... more

The Dragon's Revenge was the world's first uphill water... Photo-5979437.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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Schlitterbahn opened it's second park in 2001 on South Padre Island. he park featured the then-new Transportainment river system to help visitors relax as they moved around the park.

Schlitterbahn opened it's second park in 2001 on South Padre Island. he park featured the then-new Transportainment river system to help visitors relax as they moved around the park.

Schlitterbahn opened it's second park in 2001 on South Padre... Photo-5979438.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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Schlitterbahn uses parts from the decommissioned USS General John Pope, a US Navy troop transport used in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The ship had been launched in 1943 and ended up in Brownsville, Texas for dismantling. You can see life boats and cots used as shade structures throughout the park.
Pope, seen above, was a Union general in the American Civil War. He was given command of the Army of Virginia in 1862. He was relieved of his command after suffering a heavy defeat at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August of that year. less

Schlitterbahn uses parts from the decommissioned USS General John Pope, a US Navy troop transport used in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The ship had been launched in 1943 and ended up in ... more

The Master Blaster has been named the world’s best water slide more than any other waterslide in the world (11 times and counting). It’s 6 stories tall with a 3 story drop – and blast up 3 stories. Over 1,000 feet long. less

The Master Blaster has been named the world’s best water slide more than any other waterslide in the world (11 times and counting). It’s 6 stories tall with a 3 story drop – and blast up 3 stories. Over ... more

The Master Blaster has been named the world’s best water slide... Photo-5979443.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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The 65-foot Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn has two separate plunges of 30 feet.

The 65-foot Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn has two separate plunges of 30 feet.

Photo: Matthew Chase

The 65-foot Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn has two separate... Photo-5979444.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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Riverbahn is one of the little known rides at Schlitterbahn – you can ask for a tube and tube down the Comal River, exiting at the Tubenback area.

Riverbahn is one of the little known rides at Schlitterbahn – you can ask for a tube and tube down the Comal River, exiting at the Tubenback area.

Photo: Harrison

Riverbahn is one of the little known rides at Schlitterbahn – you... Photo-5979445.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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Though not open every day, the Schlitterbahn park on South Padre Island is open 12 months out of the year thanks to its heated indoor pools. The Galveston location seen here is open part of every month but February. less

Though not open every day, the Schlitterbahn park on South Padre Island is open 12 months out of the year thanks to its heated indoor pools. The Galveston location seen here is open part of every month but ... more

Though not open every day, the Schlitterbahn park on South Padre... Photo-5979446.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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The Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark was the first Schlitterbahn park built outside of Texas. It opened in 2009.

The Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark was the first Schlitterbahn park built outside of Texas. It opened in 2009.

The Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark was the first Schlitterbahn... Photo-5979447.81353 - Houston Chronicle

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The 26-acre Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark opened in 2006. It has since been voted the World’s Best Indoor Waterpark six straight years.

The 26-acre Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark opened in 2006. It has since been voted the World’s Best Indoor Waterpark six straight years.